Sebastian stepped toward Hunter. “No moves until we’ve extracted Paloma from the black site. After we’re gone, we don’t care what you do.”
Hunter turned to Britt. “It’s your call.”
Before she could answer, her phone vibrated in her pocket.
Britt frowned, lifting the device. She didn’t recognize the number, and it didn’t matter. She knew who was calling.
"Hello, Britt." The Visitor's voice slid through the speaker, as smooth and venomous as she remembered. “Who knew you’d step back into your old world so easily and still command such loyalty from the freaks in Quattro? I know you’re behind the security systems going offline. No doubt you have something tragic planned for me. But I thought you should know I have someone precious to you."
Bile rose in Britt's throat as her gaze locked onto Lachlan’s. "If you've hurt her?—"
"She's unharmed. For now. But that could change with the press of a button." A pause, weighted with threat.
"What do you want?" she demanded.
"What I've always wanted—evidence to take down Quattro. That's the only way you'll get your daughter back."
“I don’t believe you.” The air lodged in Britt's lungs like concrete. “If you have her, let me speak to her.” She pressed the speaker on her phone.
A muscle jumped in Lachlan's throat, his eyes darkening with fear and barely contained rage as he leaned closer, waiting for his daughter’s voice to materialize.
There was a long pause.
Britt’s heart thundered in her chest.
“Hello,” Paloma's small voice came through. A raw, maternal pain ripped through Britt's chest. Lachlan pressed his palm against his mouth, eyes closing briefly in a moment of pained relief at hearing Paloma's voice.
“Hey, Paloma,” Britt said, her voice trembling.
“Britt?” The hope in her daughter’s voice broke her heart. “Can you come get me? I’m scared.”
A strangled sound escaped Lachlan's throat, somewhere between a gasp and a sob. His head dropped as he struggled to compose himself. When he looked back at Britt, his expression had transformed into something primal and dangerous—a father who would tear the world apart to reach his frightened child.
“Don’t be scared,” Britt said, then motioned for Lachlan. He shook his head. He didn’t want The Visitor to know he was there. “I’m coming to get you. Do you still have the necklace your Daddy gave you?”
“Yes,” Paloma’s voice was fragile. “I’m trying to be brave, like Daddy told me.”
“Good girl. Just hang on a little longer,” Britt said.
The Visitor returned to the line. "Come inside. Alone. You know what room to come to."
She stood frozen, the phone balanced in her palm, as the full horror of the situation descended upon her. Paloma—her beautiful, innocent daughter—was in the hands of the monster who had stolen three years of her life. He would die for taking her child. She would make sure of it.
“You’re not going in there alone. I’m coming with you,” Lachlan said.
Hunter pushed a hand against Lachlan’s chest. “She’s not going in alone because I will be with her.”
Lachlan shoved his hand away. “My daughter. My rules. You’re not needed here.”
“She’s Britt’s daughter and under my protection,” Hunter insisted.
“Stop, please,” Britt said, resting a hand on Hunter’s forearm. “We do this Lachlan’s way.” A flash of gratitude crossed Lachlan’s face, replaced quickly by tactical focus. A silent understanding between them that transcended their complicated past.
Bristling, Hunter pulled back. “Fine.”
Lachlan turned to his team. “Twenty minutes. If we’re not out, extract us.”
“Got it,” Sebastian said as the others nodded.
